Hi all rtw experts here,
Did 3 ex-Japan DONE3/4 pre pandemic, all booked via old online tool so I was familiar with its quirks, using it to plan reroutings to make changes easier with CX (my issuing airline each time) whenever I needed.
1) Just started using new online tool which is buggy as hell especially when it comes to flight selection - is there a better system or alternative for a non travel agent to be able to check these RTW tickets down to the available flight level?
2) Since the online tool is buggy - is flight availability accurate? I wanted to fly TYO-DFW as a first segment and was unable to find any direct flights on the online tool, but JAL online had business class availability for quite a few days around my target departure.
3) after a while I did manage to price up a ticket on the tool that directed me to book via JAL reservations desk. Is waittime for JAL very long, particularly to reach someone who can handle RTW in English? I also recall someone post JAL had some rebooking surcharge of 5000 yen - is that on top of another fee for rerouting the ticket? I was used to paying 125usd for CX on reroutings and 0 for changing flight dates.
1. I used the old online tool which seemed to like 80% work, and then to finesse things I used the paid ExpertFlyer subscription, searching in D class ±2 days.
2. Nah it's not particularly accurate. In my case the online tool was lacking some options (codeshares, I think) that I could see in ExpertFlyer and the AA agents confirmed were available.
3. I used JAL to ticket mine pre-pandemic in English and didn't have to wait long at all. However, yes, JAL charges an extra ¥5500 to book or change a ticket, on top of the $0 for date charges or $125 for reroutings. I called AA to ticket it and it was a really great experience — they were fast, professional, and super quick to get ahold of, and there are no extra service charges. (I think I read that AA will issue the ticket only if you have a transoceanic flight with them; I have one from LAX to LHR.) Also note that if you create a JAL itinerary via the online tool, the AA RTW desk can see it but can't ticket it — they need to replicate it and D class may be sold out because you're already holding the seats!